2013 Nfl Draft: Holiday Bowl Preview - Baylor Vs. Ucla

Nick Florence, QB, Baylor - #11, 6’1, 205
It’s not easy replacing a talent and phenom like Robert Griffin III, but Nick Florence sure made it look easy in 2012 by nearly duplicating Griffin’s production with 4,652 yards of total offense and 40 total touchdowns. Lacking elite level measurables, Florence may never be viewed as a potential NFL starter, but that isn’t to say he doesn’t have a place in the NFL. As a clipboard holder and backup that can start in a pinch, Florence’s bright football mind, ability to read coverages properly and diagnose the play quickly should endear him to teams and give him an outside shot at being drafted next April. More than a game manager and more of an athlete than often credited for, don’t be surprised if Florence runs in a few touchdowns of his own en route to a strong showing against this UCLA defense.

Lanear Sampson, WR, Baylor - #3, 5’11, 200
Though Sampson plays a secondhand role behind Terrence Williams, don’t mistake the 5th year senior for anything less than a legitimate NFL draft prospect. Well put together at 200 pounds and an explosive vertical threat that can stretch the field with sub 4.4 speed, Lanear Sampson could very well be a better pro than collegiate player. Excellent at tracking the deep ball and soft handed at the catch point, Sampson plays much bigger than his actual height by extending and attacking the football away from his frame. I expect to see Sampson’s current streak of 42 games with a reception, extend to 43 after tonight’s matchup versus the UCLA Bruins. A 6th or 7th round pick that should stick on a roster, don’t be surprised if Sampson ends up producing right away at the next level.

Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor - #2, 6’3, 205
Dominating vertically with a “plus” combination of speed and size, Williams broke the receiving records set by former teammate Kendall Wright in 2011, recording 95 receptions for a total of 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns in this past season. At his best running what scouts refer to as a “bang 8” pattern, also known as a “skinny post”, Williams sells a vertical stem before breaking to the near goal post, anticipating an early throw to beat the (likely) safety help over the top.

Lanear Sampson, WR, Baylor - #3, 5’11, 200
Though Sampson plays a secondhand role behind Terrence Williams, don’t mistake the 5th year senior for anything less than a legitimate NFL draft prospect. Well put together at 200 pounds and an explosive vertical threat that can stretch the field with sub 4.4 speed, Lanear Sampson could very well be a better pro than collegiate player. Excellent at tracking the deep ball and soft handed at the catch point, Sampson plays much bigger than his actual height by extending and attacking the football away from his frame. I expect to see Sampson’s current streak of 42 games with a reception, extend to 43 after tonight’s matchup versus the UCLA Bruins. A 6th or 7th round pick that should stick on a roster, don’t be surprised if Sampson ends up producing right away at the next level.

Datone Jones, DT, UCLA - #56, 6-4 275
Jones has made a smooth transition to a 5-technique end after starting his career as primarily a 4-3 DT. He has the skill set to play in both schemes in the NFL and is considered one of the more versatile linemen in the draft. At 6-4 and roughly 275 pounds, Jones isn’t physically imposing but he possesses very good athleticism and has surprising power at the point. He is second on the Bruins with 17.5 TFL and 6 sacks (behind stud OLB Anthony Barr). He shows decent hand work, but it’s his explosiveness off the line and short area quicks that make him difficult to block on pass downs. Against the run, Jones often wins at the snap with a quick first step and violent hands and has enough speed to chase down ball carriers from the backside.

Two intriguing mid to late round types that could help the Cowboys IMO. A WR that scares defenses deep and a productive 5 technique DE.

I also really like Jones. I'll also be looking out for Fauria. Not sure what round he's slated to go in at this point, but he would intrigue me in the 5th.

UCLA homer here and I would pass on Fauria. He should/could dominate but he sleep walks through most plays. Franklin and Jones are the two guys that I would not mind at all if the Cowboys drafted. As for Baca, stay away he is starting simply because there is no other option.

UCLA homer here and I would pass on Fauria. He should/could dominate but he sleep walks through most plays. Franklin and Jones are the two guys that I would not mind at all if the Cowboys drafted. As for Baca, stay away he is starting simply because there is no other option.

I just assumed his #'s weren't great because of how bad the QB play of UCLA has been.

TD Fuaria. I like him a lot, more of a WR than a TE really. Fits the mold of a Tony Scheffler or Scott Chandler. Like I said, if hes there in the 5th Im taking a long hard look. He can be a useful weapon in the shotgun spread. Get him 1 on 1 in space and as long as the QB puts the ball up in the air where he can use his near 7' wingspan hes extremely difficult to cover. Also being 6'7 is always good in the redzone.

TD Fuaria. I like him a lot, more of a WR than a TE really. Fits the mold of a Tony Scheffler or Scott Chandler. Like I said, if hes there in the 5th Im taking a long hard look. He can be a useful weapon in the shotgun spread. Get him 1 on 1 in space and as long as the QB puts the ball up in the air where he can use his near 7' wingspan hes extremely difficult to cover. Also being 6'7 is always good in the redzone.

Any decent video/highlights on him? Only thing I could find was from high school. Just from that I can tell he's very athletic though.

I also really like what I saw from Tracis Kelce. 6'6 260 and very athletic. Was recruited as a QB and even saw some time as a wildcat QB early in his career at Cinci. Younger brother of the Eagles o-lineman Jason Kelce.

Nick Florence, QB, Baylor - #11, 6&#8217;1, 205
It&#8217;s not easy replacing a talent and phenom like Robert Griffin III, but Nick Florence sure made it look easy in 2012 by nearly duplicating Griffin&#8217;s production with 4,652 yards of total offense and 40 total touchdowns. Lacking elite level measurables, Florence may never be viewed as a potential NFL starter, but that isn&#8217;t to say he doesn&#8217;t have a place in the NFL. As a clipboard holder and backup that can start in a pinch, Florence&#8217;s bright football mind, ability to read coverages properly and diagnose the play quickly should endear him to teams and give him an outside shot at being drafted next April. More than a game manager and more of an athlete than often credited for, don&#8217;t be surprised if Florence runs in a few touchdowns of his own en route to a strong showing against this UCLA defense.

Lanear Sampson, WR, Baylor - #3, 5&#8217;11, 200
Though Sampson plays a secondhand role behind Terrence Williams, don&#8217;t mistake the 5th year senior for anything less than a legitimate NFL draft prospect. Well put together at 200 pounds and an explosive vertical threat that can stretch the field with sub 4.4 speed, Lanear Sampson could very well be a better pro than collegiate player. Excellent at tracking the deep ball and soft handed at the catch point, Sampson plays much bigger than his actual height by extending and attacking the football away from his frame. I expect to see Sampson&#8217;s current streak of 42 games with a reception, extend to 43 after tonight&#8217;s matchup versus the UCLA Bruins. A 6th or 7th round pick that should stick on a roster, don&#8217;t be surprised if Sampson ends up producing right away at the next level.

Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor - #2, 6&#8217;3, 205
Dominating vertically with a &#8220;plus&#8221; combination of speed and size, Williams broke the receiving records set by former teammate Kendall Wright in 2011, recording 95 receptions for a total of 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns in this past season. At his best running what scouts refer to as a &#8220;bang 8&#8221; pattern, also known as a &#8220;skinny post&#8221;, Williams sells a vertical stem before breaking to the near goal post, anticipating an early throw to beat the (likely) safety help over the top.

IMO Ivory Wade will be a better pro center than OG/RT. Another Baylor OL that I really like is OG Cyril Richardson (6'5 335). Richardson is a very skilled pass protector but he has some nastiness and heavy hands as a run blocker too. Not to mention he has nimble feet for his size.

I also really like Jones. I'll also be looking out for Fauria. Not sure what round he's slated to go in at this point, but he would intrigue me in the 5th.

With Hanna on the roster as the super athletic developmental receiving type TE, I think that Garrett will be looking for a top notch blocking TE.

jcollins28;4922705 said:

UCLA homer here and I would pass on Fauria. He should/could dominate but he sleep walks through most plays. Franklin and Jones are the two guys that I would not mind at all if the Cowboys drafted. As for Baca, stay away he is starting simply because there is no other option.

Baca looked terrible in the games that I watched.

cbow44;4922725 said:

I would add UCLA OLB Anthony Barr to the watch list. He is a junior and will probably return but 13 1/2 sacks for the year could give him a second round grade. 6'4' and about 240lbs.

Some projections have/had him as a mid-1st, but there was an announcement that an official announcement would be coming that he was staying in school.

BAT;4923250 said:

IMO Ivory Wade will be a better pro center than OG/RT. Another Baylor OL that I really like is OG Cyril Richardson (6'5 335). Richardson is a very skilled pass protector but he has some nastiness and heavy hands as a run blocker too. Not to mention he has nimble feet for his size.

IMO Ivory Wade will be a better pro center than OG/RT. Another Baylor OL that I really like is OG Cyril Richardson (6'5 335). Richardson is a very skilled pass protector but he has some nastiness and heavy hands as a run blocker too. Not to mention he has nimble feet for his size.

What's the deal with Ivory Wade?

He looks like a decent prospect at OC, but NFLDS has him rated as the 20th OC and the #601 overall player.

UCLA homer here and I would pass on Fauria. He should/could dominate but he sleep walks through most plays. Franklin and Jones are the two guys that I would not mind at all if the Cowboys drafted. As for Baca, stay away he is starting simply because there is no other option.

I too like what Jonathan Franklin would bring to the table here if Dallas drafts him but we shall see.